I don't really believe that. It's his call as to how the guys make their approaches at the plate and his management of the bullpen has been suspect.

There's also the whole issue that he doesn't really ever hold guys accountable.
- hereticpride

Kapler shouldn't even have made it this far.

Personally I’d rather have neither player. Kept the picks. Especially the 2nd round pick

what woudl you guys rather have shattenkirk at 1.75, 2nd, and 3rd round pick or braun
- 2Real

With current d core the question makes zero sense, KS is not a fit for the Flyers

Personally I’d rather have neither player. Kept the picks. Especially the 2nd round pick
- SMS4016

Agreed.

But given I have to make one of the choices, it's Braun. Since we have (currently) Ghost, Sanheim, Myers, and Provorov, I don't see what Shattenkirk's role would be. He makes Ghost look like Rob Blake defensively, and his offensive game has dried up. So while I'd rather not have given up the picks, give me Braun since he should at least help the PK.

Kapler shouldn't even have made it this far.
- Pelle31Forever

I think that baseball is the sport least impacted by coaching. I'm oversimplifying it, but all you need to do is bat the same 7 guys in order every day, maybe switching 1 player every 2 or 3 days, ask your pitching coach who should be warming up, and pull the pitcher once he reaches an arbitrary pitch count.

Baseball is a 1-on-1 sport, there's no great on-field chemistry. And since a player can't re-enter once leaving, you can't make on-the-fly changes to get every matchup you want. You need to have a feel for how the game is going, but that's something most fans could do.

I'm not saying Gabe Kapler should or shouldn't stay on as coach, I just don't see what a new coach will do that will transform this group into a contender in the next month.

I think that baseball is the sport least impacted by coaching. I'm oversimplifying it, but all you need to do is bat the same 7 guys in order every day, maybe switching 1 player every 2 or 3 days, ask your pitching coach who should be warming up, and pull the pitcher once he reaches an arbitrary pitch count.

Baseball is a 1-on-1 sport, there's no great on-field chemistry. And since a player can't re-enter once leaving, you can't make on-the-fly changes to get every matchup you want. You need to have a feel for how the game is going, but that's something most fans could do.

I'm not saying Gabe Kapler should or shouldn't stay on as coach, I just don't see what a new coach will do that will transform this group into a contender in the next month.
- jmatchett383

I’m not a fan of Kapler. He doesn’t utilize his personnel in the best way and he makes a lot of questionable decisions. That being said, when you only have one consistent and reliable starting pitcher, a bullpen decimated by injuries and your best lead off hitter out for the season, you aren’t going to challenge for a championship.

Hopefully they add at least one quality starter in free agency, and bring in a new manager in the offseason.

Why not wait till the season starts and wait for at least half a season to see how the trade works out. Not saying you will, but people would female dog and moan about the GM not getting the young players enough help just like Hexy failed to.
- flyerfan48

Because when you add two 32 year old players to a young defense, you may have to remove one or two of these young defensemen from the current roster to make room for the vet’s. This isn’t what I’m in favor of.

Because when you add two 32 year old players to a young defense, you may have to remove one or two of these young defensemen from the current roster to make room for the vet’s. This isn’t what I’m in favor of.
- SuperSchennBros

Who are they removing to make room for these 2 players?

Because when you add two 32 year old players to a young defense, you may have to remove one or two of these young defensemen from the current roster to make room for the vet’s. This isn’t what I’m in favor of.
- SuperSchennBros

If the young guys want to play, then their best opportunity is to be lights-out in preseason and camp. Basically, make it impossible for the coach to sit you, much the way that Provorov and Konecny forced the Flyers to keep them as 19-year-olds.

I think that Niskanen and Braun definitely have spots to lose, and we know that Ghost, Sanheim, and Provorov (assuming he signs) are locks. That leaves 1 spot for Hagg, Myers, and Morin. If more than 1 of them wants to make the team, they'll just have to severely outplay Niskanen and Braun. Not easy, but doable.

Who are they removing to make room for these 2 players?
- daryl stanley

Hopefully Hagg cause he was god awful last season.

If Morin has to spend this season as the #7 and only plays 20-30 games that's fine by me. So long as he's healthy.

I’m not a fan of Kapler. He doesn’t utilize his personnel in the best way and he makes a lot of questionable decisions. That being said, when you only have one consistent and reliable starting pitcher, a bullpen decimated by injuries and your best lead off hitter out for the season, you aren’t going to challenge for a championship.

Hopefully they add at least one quality starter in free agency, and bring in a new manager in the offseason.
- BiggE

Serious question: Would you rather have Kapler or Charlie Manuel managing this team? Because from many accounts, the 08 team won a World Series despite Manuel.

Hopefully Hagg cause he was god awful last season.

If Morin has to spend this season as the #7 and only plays 20-30 games that's fine by me. So long as he's healthy.
- Feanor

If they do plan on going with 13F/8D this year, I agree.

Lists are lists. With his two way play, in my opinion, Couturier belongs on the list. It's a popularity contest and flashy offensive players get more spotlight on them. I'd rather build my team around a 70 point Selke level 1st line center than a 90 point one way center.
- MJL

who knows, could be 80 this year. any type of NHL Network lists/rankings need to be taken with a rather large grain of salt, maybe also a large shot of tequila (and lime).

Man - all those new numbers to remember!

who knows, could be 80 this year. any type of NHL Network lists/rankings need to be taken with a rather large grain of salt, maybe also a large shot of tequila (and lime).
- sjk540

Jonathan Toews is one of the 100 best hockey players of all time.

If the young guys want to play, then their best opportunity is to be lights-out in preseason and camp. Basically, make it impossible for the coach to sit you, much the way that Provorov and Konecny forced the Flyers to keep them as 19-year-olds.

I think that Niskanen and Braun definitely have spots to lose, and we know that Ghost, Sanheim, and Provorov (assuming he signs) are locks. That leaves 1 spot for Hagg, Myers, and Morin. If more than 1 of them wants to make the team, they'll just have to severely outplay Niskanen and Braun. Not easy, but doable.
- jmatchett383

no way they should be handed spots as they are young and now being blocked.....

Weighing in briefly on the list... If they took salaries into consideration I think Couts would be very near the top. It's not just his play but how much of a bargain he is right now for us.

Weighing in briefly on the list... If they took salaries into consideration I think Couts would be very near the top. It's not just his play but how much of a bargain he is right now for us.
- FlyersGrace

yes he is and one reason why they need to speed things up to try to make a run. His salary may easily double. may not have others on entry level deals, or 2 year bridge deals. If the goalie pans out he will want and will get paid.

Cant just sit around and wait for all the future all stars to pan out.

Serious question: Would you rather have Kapler or Charlie Manuel managing this team? Because from many accounts, the 08 team won a World Series despite Manuel.
- jmatchett383

I disagree that it was despite Manuel. He had a great lineup. He had starting pitching and a bullpen with Madsen and Lidge to the point where it was a 7 inning game. He had a offensive lineup that was never out of a game. All that being said, the greatest thing about Manuel is that he was the right guy to keep all of those egos together, to keep the bench and the locker room together. He was the perfect manager for that team.

what woudl you guys rather have shattenkirk at 1.75, 2nd, and 3rd round pick or braun
- 2Real

Id have interest in Shattenkirk but Shatrtenkirk is an offensive Dman, Braun is more defensive. They are two different types of players. You cant just interchangeably swap them.

Unlike you Fletcher doesnt possess a magic eight ball that tells him which players will be bought out and available.

Unlike you Fletcher doesnt possess a magic eight ball that tells him which players will be bought out and available.
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

And that's why he's a terrible GM.

And that's why he's a terrible GM.
- jmatchett383

I thought that was decided when he didnt make a deal to get McDavid from Chia. Edmonton really needed Snot and Balls

Perhaps management has an expectation that the Provorov RFA situation is going to be an extended one? They get Braun, which appears to be an extraneous acquisition, and we still have Ghost, Hagg and Morin. Are they thinking they'll go with Ghost/Niskanen, Sanheim/Braun, Hagg(Morin)/Myers if they have to?
When they got Braun, I figured they were going to use Ghost as a chip for a top 9 winger. As of now, it seems as though they're leaning towards filling the forward spot internally.
That said, there are quite a few UFAs and RFAs out there. The preseason should be interesting.

Come on season

We will have to see on Braun.

Could be two groups

1. Liked the trade or understood the trade

2. Hated the trade and could care less why.

25 games in let’s revisit , we can assault the losers

I believe I’m in 1, didn’t like the overpay but it was market and I understand and agree with why Fletcher did it. We needed leadership back there, no more keystone cops.

Perhaps management has an expectation that the Provorov RFA situation is going to be an extended one? They get Braun, which appears to be an extraneous acquisition, and we still have Ghost, Hagg and Morin. Are they thinking they'll go with Ghost/Niskanen, Sanheim/Braun, Hagg(Morin)/Myers if they have to?
When they got Braun, I figured they were going to use Ghost as a chip for a top 9 winger. As of now, it seems as though they're leaning towards filling the forward spot internally.
That said, there are quite a few UFAs and RFAs out there. The preseason should be interesting.
- GeorgeBailey

All remaining UFAs are waiting for top-4 NHL defenseman Andrew MacDonald to sign. He is the biggest domino.